John Joseph Lester

John Lester, born on March 26, 1953, in Tarrytown, New York, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was the cherished son of Joseph Lester and Mary (Yarabek), both of whom predeceased him.

John was a devoted husband to Catherine Lester (Coughlin) and a loving father to his three sons: Daniel Lester and his wife Angela of Valhalla, New York; Eric Lester and his wife Samantha of Thornwood, New York; and Christopher Lester and his wife Jacqueline of Valhalla, New York. He was a proud grandfather to Nasir Clarkson, Aidan, and Kieran Lester of Valhalla, and Steven and David Lester of Thornwood. He is also remembered fondly by his sister, Rosanne Peterson of Bakersfield, California, and by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, David Lester.

John dedicated 41 years to public service, beginning with the Westchester County Department of Corrections in 1976. He was appointed as a police officer for Conrail Railroad in 1978 and transitioned to the Metro North Police Department in March 1990, where he was promoted to Sergeant. In January 1998 he continued his position as sergeant with the Metropolitan Transit Authority, retiring in 2016. He was also a lifetime member of the Thornwood Fire Department, having joined in 1972, where he formed many lasting friendships.

An avid golfer and bowler, John had a passion for travel, visiting Alaska, England, Ireland, and Wales, and enjoying several cruises. Some of his happiest memories were the summers spent with his family at Long Beach Island, New Jersey. His steadfast dedication to his family, friends, and community leaves a lasting legacy of love and service. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.